Chilling simulation shows what would happen in first 30 minutes if nuclear war was declared in the USA

A chilling simulation has explored what the first half hour of a nuclear war could look like if nukes were suddenly deployed – and unsurprisingly, there would be severe ramifications on civilization as a whole.

Before panic sets in, it’s worth noting that no nuclear war has been declared—despite recent tensions involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel, with President Donald Trump recently threatening the Iranians, apparently with nuclear war.

With a ceasefire now agreed between the Americans and Iran, allowing diplomacy to run its course, the two nations have distanced themselves from any prospective nuclear trade-off. However, it certainly begs the question for those with a curiosity about worst-case scenarios; one YouTube channel has attempted to map it out.

So, what would happen in the first 30 minutes of nuclear war?

In a video titled “The First 30 Minutes of Nuclear War,” Modern Muscle outlines how events could unfold. It begins in the United States, where 40 LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles are launched from underground silos. Each missile carries a single warhead said to be around 40 times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped during World War II.

The simulation also highlights submarines stationed off the US coast, armed with Trident II ballistic missiles, described as some of the most destructive weapons available. These travel at roughly 18,000mph and can cover distances of up to 7,500 miles.

About 16 minutes after launch, Russia is shown preparing a response. According to the video, it has around 126 ICBMs ready to fire from multiple locations. The US would then target key Russian military assets, including its missile stockpiles, Pacific Fleet, radar systems, and communication networks.

By the 30-minute mark, the simulation suggests these targets would be wiped out, leaving surrounding areas uninhabitable. However, the video notably avoids showing Russia’s full retaliation. As one viewer bluntly put it: “The reality is. The exact moment we launch everyone launches.”

Real-world consequences following the first 30 minutes of nuclear war

Beyond the simulation, real-world tensions continue to add to global unease. Military drills conducted by Russia in Belarus have raised concerns among NATO members.

Carsten Breuer, Germany’s top military official, acknowledged the uncertainty, saying: “We don’t have any indication that preparations for an attack are taken under the cover of the exercise,” but warned, “But we will be on our guard, not just the German forces, but NATO.”

While the U.S. and Iran appear to be taking steps to deescalate the precarious situation in the Middle East by opening the Strait of Hormuz, the simulation allows us to foresee what would happen beyond the the recent threats made by the leaders involved.

Featured Image. Credit: jamesbenet / Getty